I also rise in support of the motion. I want to thank the member for Gibson for bringing it to this place. International Women's Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievement of women today while also recognising the challenges that remain.

We were discussing this motion in my office, and it really led to some robust discussion, particularly around wage disparity. I found it very beneficial to have that group discussion and talk about some of the issues and inequities that do exist. It certainly increased my knowledge, listening to Ilana and Denise in my office, and some of their experiences. The bit that perhaps I did not fully understand was wage inequality. Coming from the government sector, I thought a wage was blind to gender, in that you are paid an ASO 3 or 4 whatever level that may be. Hearing their experiences on who achieves some of those higher band levels predominantly, being males to the exclusion of females, and their private sector experience and the real disparities that exist there, certainly increased my understanding of the issue. I found the discussion that evolved from a motion that was sitting on our desk very beneficial and came away with a greater depth of knowledge, so I do want to thank the member for that.

I also want to take the opportunity to highlight some of the remarkable women in the electorate of Mount Gambier who have forged pathways in their respective field and also forged pathways for future generations. I want to talk about Wendy Fennell, who is a pioneer in the Australian forest industry. She leads Fennell Forestry, one of South Australia's largest logging contractors, with over 30 years' experience in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has expanded her business to employ around 80 staff. Her commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like the electric log truck—the electric truck, as we call it. I also need to give a shout-out to the minister involved in terms of providing a $200,000 incentive, which was matched by Fennell Forestry, to transition from diesel trucks to electric trucks, which are quite suitable for short-haul runs and then building up to longer haul runs. Most of our transportation of logs is to the port of Portland, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away from Mount Gambier and the electric trucks certainly are providing great feedback to the government and Wendy on the suitability of that. As Wendy said herself:

'We should not be afraid to acknowledge that women and men operate differently. I think personal characteristics are a greater barrier to career success than gender.'

Toni Vorenas exemplifies transformative leadership and community commitment in Mount Gambier. After a distinguished 30-year career in education—and I have had the privilege of working with Toni Vorenas at Mount Gambier High School and saw her genuine commitment to young people, in particular disadvantaged young people. If you go into the Metro Bakery and Cafe down in Mount Gambier, you will see an eclectic group of young people predominantly, who Toni certainly offers opportunities to, and guidance, mentoring and support. Toni's dedication to fostering a culture of respect and diversity has not only propelled her business's success but also enriched our community. Her journey from educator to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of adaptability and leadership.

Wendy Richardson is another distinguished business leader in Mount Gambier, celebrated for her enduring contribution to the local fashion industry as the owner of Redgum Country. She has dedicated over three decades to providing exceptional customer service, transforming her store into a destination for locals and visitors alike. Her commitment to excellence was honoured with the influential businesswoman of the year award in 2011 and in 2023 Redgum Country was inducted into the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, a testament to Wendy's unwavering dedication and the store's significant impact on our community. Beyond her business acumen, Wendy is deeply involved in community initiatives, having been part of raising over half a million dollars for charity through fashion parades and other fundraising events.

Maureen Klintberg is a longstanding community health advocate for our region. In the early 2000s Maureen played a pivotal role in fundraising over $300,000 to establish a hydrotherapy pool for Mount Gambier. She then served as presiding member of the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council, spearheading the community campaign for the redevelopment of the renal dialysis unit at Mount Gambier.

Maureen has also been instrumental in enhancing palliative care services in the region. This began with the establishment of In Home Hospice Care and, more recently, as part of a steering committee that has seen funds raised for a hospice feasibility study, eventually leading on to a hospice in its own right. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives in our community, reflects a broader impact that strong, determined women have in shaping our society.

I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Lynette Martin and Kylie Boston, both mayors of Mount Gambier and Grant district council respectively. Both women bring strength, vision and dedication to their roles, ensuring our communities continue to thrive. Their leadership is yet another example of the valuable contributions women make at all levels of our society. Each of these women represent the strength, resilience and innovation that drive our community forward. From industry leaders and entrepreneurs, to those shaping health care, local government and community services, their contributions are invaluable.

Beyond those I have already mentioned, many more inspiring women continue to shape our region's success, including Jacinta Jones, Tahlia Gabrielli, Lisa Attard, Sharon Tufnell, Gail Richards, Kelsie Prowse, Liz McKinnon, Kate Hill and countless others. Through their leadership, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, they are not only building thriving businesses but also enriching our local economy and creating opportunities for future generations. On this International Women's Day we celebrate these remarkable women and commit to marching forward together towards a more inclusive and equitable future. I commend the motion to the house.